Eskom on Thursday said that the electricity grid remains constrained, however it does not expect to implement load shedding.
“The system remains constrained and vulnerable, with generating plant performing at very low levels of reliability,” Eskom said.
“With unplanned breakdowns at just over 10 000MW as at 08h00, the probability of loadshedding remains, but will only be implemented if absolutely necessary.
“There is sufficient diesel for our open cycle gas turbines and water at the pumped storage schemes to supplement the shortage of capacity, if required.”
Meanwhile, Eskom said that the Emergency Response Command Centre (ERCC) continues to monitor the system closely.
“Eskom wishes to remind customers that any unexpected shift, such as additional unplanned breakdowns or the unavailability of diesel for open cycle gas turbines or low water levels at the pumped storage schemes, could result in loadshedding at short notice,” the utility said.
“As communicated in the Summer Plan on 4 of September 2019, unplanned breakdowns above 9 500MW require the use of emergency resources at a high rate and they increase the probability of loadshedding if the supply constraints are sustained for a long period.”
Eskom says save electricity to avoid load shedding
“A concerted collective effort to reduce demand can help to lessen the level of loadshedding,” the power utility said.
“Thus, we strongly urge customers to assist by helping to reduce demand by using electricity sparingly.”
- Set air-conditioners’ average temperature at 23ºC
- Switch off your geysers over peak periods
- Use the cold water tap rather than using the geyser every time
- Set your swimming pool pump cycle to run twice a day, three hours at a time for optimal energy use.
- At the end of the day, turn off computers, copiers, printers and fax machines at the switch. Avoid stand-by or sleep mode.
Eskom said that customers are advised to check their loadshedding schedules on the Eskom or municipal websites.
“We remind customers that loadshedding is conducted rotationally as a measure of last resort to protect the power system from a total collapse or blackout,” the power utility said.
“We will continue to keep South Africans informed about the status of the electricity system.”